? Ranked Match — Season B1a (Season 9)
One of the most competitive live events in Pokemon TCG Pocket Cards is the Ranked Match Season 9, sometimes referred to by its set code B1a. It kicked off on January 9 and runs through January 26, 2026.
This season tests your skills in PvP battles as you climb through 17 ranks. Each win earns points toward your next rank, and at season’s end, you receive an emblem based on the highest rank you achieved. Higher ranks yield better rewards — so even mid-tier players have an incentive to push as far as they can.
Strategy Tips
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Focus on consistency over flashy plays — a stable deck with good matchups throughout the meta tends to outperform gimmicky builds.
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Aim to play a few matches every day to steadily accumulate rank points before the season ends.
✨ Heliolisk & Buneary Wonder Pick Event
Also running from January 9 to January 26, 2026, the Heliolisk and Buneary Wonder Pick Event gives players an engaging way to collect promo cards and earn bonus resources through missions.
During this event, two promotional cards — Heliolisk (018 Promo-B) and Buneary (019 Promo-B) — are featured. You can obtain them by making successful picks in the Wonder Pick system, either through Chansey Picks (which cost Wonder Stamina) or by completing the “Wonder Pick 5 times” mission and earning a Promo Card Exchange Ticket to choose the card you want.
Event Missions Include:
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Collecting 5 Colorless-type cards
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Collecting 10 Lightning-type cards
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Collecting 10 total Colorless-type cards
Rewards include event shop tickets exchangeable for cosmetics like Goomy-themed playmats, card sleeves, and backdrops — plus Shinedust to fuel future selections.
⚡ Mareep Drop Event
The Mareep Drop Event started at the beginning of the month and will conclude on January 18, 2026.
Drop events allow players to progress through AI groupings and earn specific promo cards by completing tasks and battles. While not as competitive as PvP, these events are ideal for players looking for focused objectives and guaranteed card drops. In the Mareep Drop, players can earn the featured Mareep card and other rewards by completing missions like battle victories.
Tips for Drop Events
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Prioritize daily missions to maximize your rewards over the limited run of the event.
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Use decks tailored toward the event’s primary objectives (e.g., electric-type advantages for Mareep).
? Crimson Blaze Expansion (B1a)
Beyond specific events, the Crimson Blaze expansion continues to be playable throughout January. This expansion includes dozens of cards from a new set that synergizes with many ongoing events, particularly Ranked Matches and Solo Battles.
Crimson Blaze cards remain central in many current meta decks and provide players an opportunity to refine their decks as they grind PvP or complete missions. Because expansions don’t revolve around set end dates like typical events, Crimson Blaze content will remain available even as individual January events conclude.
? Overall Event Tips
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Check daily missions early each day. Many live events refresh missions that reward Pack and Wonder Hourglasses — valuable for both event and regular packs.
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Balance Ranked Match time with event missions. Playing consistently across events usually yields more total rewards than focusing exclusively on one mode.
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Don’t let shop tickets expire after an event ends — redeem them promptly for cosmetics and consumables.
? Final Thoughts
January’s live events in Pokémon TCG Pocket offer a ton of variety — from PvP ranking pressure to casual collecting missions. Whether you’re chasing promo cards, cosmetic items, or climbing the Ranked Ladder, the key is consistency and routine. Keep pushing through each live event deadline and use all your resources wisely!